Carrier Transicold Improves Stationary Cold Storage With Vector® All-Electric Technology

ATHENS, Ga., Aug. 3, 2010 – Carrier Transicold’s Vector® 5100 all-electric refrigeration unit offers an environmentally responsible and energy-efficient solution for grocery, supermarket and other operations that use refrigerated trailers for on-site cold storage by eliminating the noise, emissions, and fuel consumption associated with traditional temporary cold storage approaches and reducing operating costs up to 70 percent. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Corp., a business unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). Carrier Corp., the world’s leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, improves the world around us through engineered innovation and environmental stewardship.

The Vector 5100 stationary unit is based on the refined electric architecture of Carrier’s Vector 6500 single-temperature transport refrigeration unit (TRU). A hybrid unit, the Vector 6500 uses a diesel engine and electric generator for on-highway power and offers plug-in electric-standby capability when parked at the loading dock. Electric units have fewer moving parts compared to conventional mechanical units, resulting in improvements, such as quieter operation and reduced maintenance requirements.

“The Vector 5100 unit delivers the same quiet, emissions-free performance as a Vector 6500 unit on electric standby, without the added expense of the power plant,” said Mark Fragnito, product manager. “Additional user savings come from running off ‘the grid,’ rather than using a diesel engine to run the refrigeration system. With current models, the operating savings ranges from 40 to 70 percent, based on the relatively stable cost of electric power and fluctuating price of diesel fuel over the last several years.”

Many supermarkets need portable stationary cold storage, especially around holidays when retailers are moving a substantial number of seasonal items. Typically, retailers park and use older trailers equipped with aging diesel reefers that are noisier and less efficient than new units. By consuming more fuel, this practice becomes a relatively expensive and wasteful solution.

“Customers committed to sustainable strategies will want to tap the Vector 5100 unit’s environmental advantages,” Fragnito said. “Plus there is some regulatory incentive to do so. California, for one, has already proposed stringent restrictions on diesel-powered stationary cold storage as part of its greenhouse gas reduction initiatives and strongly encouraged alternative options, including electrically-driven systems. As an electric-only unit, the Vector 5100 is a terrific alternative for forward-looking operations.”

Requiring only a 460-volt power supply, the Vector 5100 unit is designed for near-silent operation and exceptionally low lifecycle costs. It uses maintenance-free electric motors to drive its evaporator fan and condenser fans. The semi-hermetic compressor has no shaft seal to wear out. Heating and defrost, when needed, are provided by electric-resistance elements, rather than hot gas. The unit takes advantage of Carrier’s quiet V-force™ condenser fans and high-performance Novation™ condenser coil.

For easy user operation and on-board data recording, the unit is equipped with the programmable Advance® microprocessor control with TRU-DEMAND™ Digital Energy MANagement Device operating logic for optimal refrigeration performance and energy efficiency.

For more information about the Vector 5100 unit, turn to the experts within the Carrier Transicold dealer network or visit www.trucktrailer.carrier.com.